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Description
Great Aunt Maria seems like a cuddly old lady, all chit-chat and lace doilies. But when Mig and her family go for a visit, they soon learn that Aunt Maria rules Cranbury-on-Sea with a rod of sweetness that's tougher than iron and deadlier than poison.
Quick Summary
Great Aunt Maria seems like your typical sweet old lady all tea and lace doilies but when Mig and her family arrive for a visit, they discover she's actually the iron-fisted ruler of Cranbury-on-Sea, running the whole town through sheer force of sweetness and charm. Diana Wynne Jones delivers her signature clever humor and delightfully quirky characters throughout, making this a fun pick for kids who loved "Howl's Moving Castle" or anyone who enjoys stories where seemingly ordinary people turn out to be absolutely extraordinary. There's some genuinely spooky moments mixed with laugh-out-loud scenes, so it works beautifully for kids who like their humor with a side of mild peril. The story has heart too it's really about family dynamics and finding your courage when everyone around you seems to have gone just a little bit power-mad. If your kid likes Roald Dahl's brand of funny and slightly dark, they'll probably devour this.